In
metaphysics, the word
individual, while sometimes meaning a person, more typically refers to any numerically singular thing. Used in many contexts, both 'Socrates' and 'the Moon' denote individuals; 'grapefruit' and 'redness' (at least often) do not. 'Individual' as a piece of philosophical jargon is much-bandied and often to be found in the company of
particular--indeed, often treated as
synonymous with 'particular' (though one wonders if [abstract particular]
?s can count as individuals)--and contrasted with 'universal
?'.
A famous work on individuals and their individuation? is by [P. F. Strawson]?: Individuals: An Essay in Descriptive Metaphysics (London:
Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1959; New York: Anchor, 1963).